Multiple Arrests Made Following U.S. Capitol Riot, Massive Investigation Grows

According to a Department of Justice press release from January 8, thirteen people have already been charged in federal court following the violence at the Capitol on January 6. About 40 others are being charged in Superior Court. Additionally, over 25 cases have been opened to investigate possible domestic terrorism charges following the events that transpired at the Capitol.

Representative Jason Crow (D-CO), a member of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, said that the Pentagon was aware of more potential threats in the days leading up to the inauguration. He said of the event on January 6, “Long guns, Molotov cocktails, explosive devices and zip ties were recovered, which suggests a greater disaster was narrowly averted.”

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen delivered a video statement on January 13 in which he explained that the rioters would be prosecuted and that the Justice Department was working around the clock to make arrests and bring people to justice. He said in his statement, “In the last week, more than 70 individuals have been criminally charged; we have opened more than 170 investigations; the FBI has gathered more than 100,000 digital tips from the public; and there is a lot more to come. The wrongdoers will be held responsible.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said of the arrests, “The lawless destruction of the U.S. Capitol building was an attack against one of our Nation’s greatest institutions. We are resolute in our commitment to holding accountable anyone responsible for these disgraceful criminal acts, and to anyone who might be considering engaging in or inciting violence in the coming weeks – know this: you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The FBI has been seeking the help of the public in identifying the perpetrators of the January 6 Capitol riots. So far, they have received over 100,000 pieces of crucial information. Thanks to help from the public, in just six days, the FBI has been able to make over 160 arrests, with many more warrants expected soon. The public is asked to submit any information they have to http://fbi.gov/USCapitol.